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Catholics join Easter Sunrise service

Christians come together in front of parliament building to pray and celebrate
Catholics join Easter Sunrise service
Christian girls sing and wave colorful flags as a sign of harmony and solidarity during the event
Published: April 26, 2011 02:05 AM GMT
Updated: April 26, 2011 11:21 AM GMT

Thousands of Christians including many Catholics prayed and sang together in an ecumenical Easter Sunrise prayer service in front of the Bangladesh national parliament building in Dhaka early on Easter Sunday morning. The traditional prayer service organized by Bangladesh Pastors’ Fellowship (BPF), a Protestant forum, was accompanied by speeches, common prayers and religious music. Participants prayed for peace for themselves, family, country and the world, with the national flag as well as various colorful flags waved as a sign of solidarity and harmony. Some foreign nationals also attended the program. The Bangladesh parliament speaker allowed the arrangement of the only religious program on parliamentary premises since 1996, which turned into an ecumenical program for various Christian denominations in the country. “We believe in the risen Christ, not in the empty tomb. The inspiration Jesus brought for us by winning victory over death encourages us to become ideal Christians. It will help preach good news of Jesus to other faiths in Bangladesh,” said Michal Komol Adhikary, a Protestant pastor. BPF president, Gethsemane Church pastor, Michael Susmoy Das agreed. “This program was started to enhance brotherhood among various Christian Churches in Bangladesh and over these days it has immensely contributed to bringing us closer. By attending the common program we shrug off fear like Peter the apostle and discover our hope in the risen Lord,” he said. Pronoti Euphrasy Cruze, 35, a Catholic woman married to a Protestant man, has attended the program for over a decade. “I join this program to be one with my Christian brothers and sisters. It’s an opportunity to overcome our own circle and be united with all,” she said. Rony Saha, 27, a Baptist Church member from Savar sub-district near Dhaka said, “I come to this program every year on the day of Christ’s victory over death. It helps me rediscover who I am and what are my inspirations are. I also meet many friends.” Related Reports: Easter Sunrise Service Brings 25,000 Christians To Parliament Plaza

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